Brooks County Prepares for November with All-New Election System

Verity Voting is Latest Technology from Trusted Hart InterCivic

FALFURRIAS, Texas, July 24, 2018 – Commissioners in Brooks County voted July 9 to adopt the most up-to-date voting technology available in the U.S., the Verity® Voting system from longtime election partner Hart InterCivic. Election Administrator Anna M. Garcia said the choice was driven by the South Texas county’s long-term relationship with Hart. “Their customer service is awesome. We never really considered anyone else.”

“Once I saw Verity operating (at a statewide election conference last year), I had to see more,” Garcia said. She arranged with Hart to present a live demonstration for the Commissioners Court. “We were impressed with the system’s accuracy and accountability, and I like that Verity will be easier for our workers to learn and operate.”

“We appreciate Brooks County’s confidence in Verity’s secure new technology. We’ve partnered with the County since 2005, and we look forward to our ongoing relationship,” said Phillip Braithwaite, Hart’s President and CEO. Hart is an Austin-based company with more than 100 years of experience providing election solutions. “Verity’s technology is versatile and trustworthy; it will serve the County well for many years.”

Verity is a federally and state certified system with all new hardware and software designed from the ground up to be secure and easy to use. The system is user friendly for voters and poll workers, who also welcome the lightweight, compact design for simple transport and setup.

“The new technology eliminates so many steps,” Garcia said. “Plus, the size of each unit makes it easier for our election workers to bring to precincts.”

Verity will debut in Brooks County for the November General Election, and Garcia is confident in the training process that Hart has planned. “There is no rush here. They told me to take my time; trainers will be here for everything we need. Plus, Hart staff will be on hand when we vote for the first time.”

Brooks County joins a growing number of Texas jurisdictions moving to Verity. Since the Texas Secretary of State certified the latest release of the system in late 2016, Hart has shipped more than 7,700 Verity devices across the State. Federally certified in 2015, the secure and efficient system is also in use in numerous counties throughout the U.S.

At each precinct, Brooks County voters will have the choice of marking their paper ballots by hand or filling out choices using an ADA-compliant electronic device.

“I’m looking forward to reactions from the voters,” Garcia said. “For those voters choosing a paper ballot, the scanner is mistake-proof. And voters that use the ADA units will like the easy-to-use touchscreen. And it gives me a good feeling that if we have questions, Hart is only a phone call away.”

Braithwaite expects more announcements throughout 2018 as jurisdictions refresh their election technology across Texas and nationally.